Academy / Advanced Drone Pilot Maneuvers

Immelmann Turn: The Fastest Way to Change Direction in Style

Steps to Execute an Immelmann Turn

Let’s break down the steps for performing a clean, precise Immelmann Turn:

Step 1: Begin with a Forward Flight

• Start by flying forward at a steady pace. Ensure you have enough speed to smoothly transition into the half-loop.
• Throttle Control: Maintain moderate throttle to build momentum, but be ready to increase it as you enter the loop.

Step 2: Pull Back on the Pitch to Begin the Half-Loop

• As you approach the point where you want to execute the turn, pull back on the pitch stick (right stick) to initiate the upward climb.
• Your drone should now begin ascending in a vertical loop, with the camera facing the sky. Make sure the pitch movement is smooth to create a clean arc.
• Throttle Up: Increase the throttle slightly to maintain altitude as the drone climbs.

Step 3: Reach the Top of the Loop

• At the peak of the loop, your drone will be inverted (upside down). Here, you’ll transition into the half-roll.
• Throttle Management: Reduce throttle slightly at the peak to prevent overshooting the altitude or gaining too much momentum.

Step 4: Execute the Half-Roll

• As the drone reaches the apex of the loop and is inverted, move the right stick to the left or right to initiate a half-roll.
• This half-roll will return the drone to a level orientation but with the drone now facing in the opposite direction.
• Throttle Balance: After completing the half-roll, adjust throttle to stabilize the drone’s altitude and prevent it from dropping.

Step 5: Level Out and Continue Flying

• Once the half-roll is complete, you should now be flying level but in the opposite direction. Center your sticks and maintain speed as you exit the maneuver.